10,000 - Say what?!

Just a mini celebration that my blog has reached 10,000 page views! Woot woot!

{via}

Party!

Mmmkay, thanks for celebrating with me! You my now return to your day...

 

Accidents, Aches, and Oils

It was Saturday morning. 

Ahh, the perfect day to sleep in and get some rest.

Then My husband called me about 7:30. He had been in a car accident (jeez ice, I didn't realize you two were on bad terms). My husband knows me well and immediately told me he was OK but that I would need to come get him. Thank God he is in one piece and that it wasn't worse than it really could have been! However, accidents have tendency to produce major muscle soreness.

  

{just need to pay the deductible and then we'll have 2 cars again!}

Since insurance will take care of the truck, I've been focused on Mike. He was saying that the right side of his neck and upper back were sore. 

When we were in Missouri, I got a starter kit of essential oils. I have always known about them and that they can work wonders. My friend Hannah, (hey, girl, hey!!) has had a great experience with using essential oils in her home to replace cleaners and most over the counter medicines. How awesome is that?! So, while we were there she had an informational meeting and I knew I wanted to get started with my own oils. Knowing how they have helped my own headaches and such, I knew I needed to find out which ones would be good for muscles.

Panaway and Valor are both good options for muscle soreness. At first, I only used Panaway on him but then asked a facebook group of oil users what they suggested. They said to add Valor. Before bed I rubbed in on his neck and back this morning he had a much better range of motion and less tension his muscles. YAY!

{feel free to ignore Peppermint in this photo... or don't. It's good for pain management, headaches, and nausea!}

Yay for finding more natural solution that won't harm your liver for muscle aches and pains! 

I think it is Mike's turn to rub in some Valor and Panaway between my shoulder blades and on my lower back...

~Emily~

 

High Five for Friday

Woo Hoo! The weekend is here. I don't much planned in the exciting department but I do in the home department. Anyway... linking up with Lauren today.


Here's what was great about this past week:



ONE. New Job.
I started a new job! I haven't had a job in over a year and it feels great to be back working somewhere. I am now a paid photographer and videographer of ... vehicles. Yay for product photography! I think there are a couple things that helped me get this job 1) I had a marketing internship with Stuff (an awesome little shop in Brookside, Kansas City, MO) where I did product photography (thanks Casey and Sloane!) and 2) I'm good on the phone. My "interview" was via phone and I actually have phone skills (thanks mom and dad for teaching us). Anyway, the pay is awesome and hours are completely flexible. Score!



TWO. Soul Mate.
I got to marry mine. He's my best friend, my soul mate, and my husband. He knows when we just need to go out or when it's a good time to cuddle up and stay in. He knows how to make my laugh and get my irritated in a second (but I love him anyway... ;).

{photo by: Jessica C O. Photography 

And um... we're on her homepage! Awesome}

THREE. Spotted Poppy.
Things are getting done for Spotted Poppy! More product photography. Yay!

{Spotted Poppy Designs}

FOUR. Cooking.
I haven't really cooked in a while and it was nice to get back to it last night. Last night was a cauliflower based alfredo sauce. Tonight, homemade beef and broccoli! Here is the link if you're interested ... Cauliflower Sauce



FIVE. Warmth.
We have a heater, a wood burning stove, warm clothes, blankets, and hot water. Plus, it's Christmas time. It's always cozier at Christmas. 

And here is my remake of Carol of the Bells ...

Weekend is here

Bringing us cheer

That's it. That's all I've got.

How was your week? I hope that you are able to find and appreciate the little things that make life great.

 ~Emily~

My Happy Heart

The last 4-5 months have been... tough. I've been unsettled. Unsure. Dampened in spirit. Don't get me wrong, there have been a ton of fun moments and happy days but always the reoccurring feeling of unease. Oh, peace and calm, how I missed you. 

In the last month or so (since we got back from Kansas City really), the unsettledness is lifting and content is settling in. Content, I've missed you, please don't leave me again. When I'm not having what I call "pregnancy nerves" and I'm feeling "normal" I feel content and at peace. Thank you God for your peace. Oh, what peace and stillness He has shown.

Today after work, I went to see Mike (the hubs). I'm so grateful I can pop in and see him when he's on his 56 hour shift. I'm thankful for this man who is able to keep me calm (and push all my buttons) and make me giggle. I can still hardly believe we will be welcoming a little Ressegue in 6.5 months (wait... what?! That can't be!). Oh, peace and calm, I'm sure I'll miss you again but in a different way.

Sure, the fact that's it's Christmas time could have to do with my happy heart but it started getting happy before that. But that doesn't discount the power of the season! I sang my heart out to Christmas songs on the way home, made dinner, finished work, and started laundry. I even had time to enjoy the Christmas tree(s). Oh, what peace and stillness that brings.

{My ocean themed tree [we have 2 trees]. Please don't judge my unfinished space.}

I also thought I would share these 2 videos with you. One of them is fun and silly and the other is beautiful and gives me chills every time. Hallelujah!

Enjoy your night. Enjoy your family. I know this time of year can be so hard for some but my hope and prayer is that you can find the joy and peace that comes with Christ-mas.

{via}

~Emily~

A Life Update

It's been awhile which means it's time for an update. I miss you jewels!

1) We had family in town the whole week of Thanksgiving! It was fun having a full house. We went out and explored a bit, learned some new recipes for Thanksgiving, hit up Target on black friday (yay for maternity clothes 40% off!), and just enjoyed time with each other.

2) The Monday of Thanksgiving week I got a job. That's right, A JOB!!! It's been over a year since I've worked and it's so wonderful to be employed. I work for a company who sends me out to do photos and videos for the various car dealers in my area. It's flexible, pays good, and I get to be outside. SCORE.

3) This pregnant lady is exhausted. Glad to not be working tomorrow.

4) I have so many thoughts, hopes, and dreams for Spotted Poppy Designs (mine and my mom's business).

5) Cats are the best. Please don't argue with me.

Friends, I've missed you. I'm looking forward to some fun Christmas-y posts. You've been warned!

High Five For Friday

I'm finally checking in since I've been so quiet. We were in Kansas City, Mo for 2 weeks and it was great! We both came back feeling refreshed and already missing the people there.

Linking up with Lauren today!

ONE. In case you missed it on Facebook...

{I'm PREGNANT and we are SO excited about it!!!}

TWO. Vacation.

We were out just about every night of our 2 weeks in Kansas City. We got to spend some much needed time with our dear friends. We went to a wedding, a birthday party, helped throw a surprise party, learned about essential oils, went to all of the food places and shopping places we wanted to hit up, and really got to relax. For all of that, I'm thankful. I also really want to get back there. Like, move back. Oh dreams...

{Old Time Pottery. This is only about 1/4-1/3 of the store.}

{I loved these awesome ocean themed things. 

Thanks to my aunt and her sister-in-law I found a new store to love! 

The store is Petals and Potpourri.}

{Fall colors = <3}

THREE. My husband.

He is the best. He is always a highlight of my week. 

FOUR. Mitzy.

I know she doesn't like pretty much anyone else but she is definitely my kitty and since I'm pregnant I'm enjoying her snuggles.

FIVE. My bed. 

Seriously. I missed it. Sleeping in my bed on Tuesday night was wonderful!

Tell me... How was your week??

San Francisco in a Flash

The plan was to drive through the night last night to get to Oakland for our flight (5 hour drive). Thankfully some friends found out we were doing that and called up their sister to see if we could stay there. She said yes. We left Blue Lake by 11 and just wondered around once we go to SF. 

Here is our quick trip in photos.

{This is from the top of Knob Hill. That little black dot is a person.}

{From the drive down.}

{Crossing over!}

{I love all the different styles of home.}

{A lotus!}

{From the top of Knob Hill}

{the best view I could get of Alcatraz)

That's it in a nutshell and all out of order. And of course we had In-n-Out!

Saturday Fun!

Today was a full day! 

A group of girls from my church get together once a month for a girls bible study. Two different girls lead each time and it has been wonderful. Today they talked about being dead to sin, alive in Christ (Romans 6:1-14). It lead to good conversation and testimonies being shared. God is so good!

Then we decorated pumpkins... And yes, this one is mine. It shouldn't surprise you one bit if you know me. :)

{pink, sparkle, and feathers = awesome}

I was also loving my outfit today! 

{top: costco baby!; jeans: VaultDenim; Shoes: I don't remember}

You guys, I'm having a great weekend! I hope yours is going well and if it isn't, I hope you're able to handle it all with grace and peace.

~Emily~

High Fiver for Friday: KSS Edition

My weekend is going to be fantastic. I kinda can't wait for it to really start. I get to hang with the hubby tonight. Tomorrow is the monthly girl's bible study group, then they are coming over for pumpkin decorating, and after that there is a birthday party. On Sunday I'll be headed to church, start the packing process for Kansas City, and young married bible study is happenin'. 

I'm one of those weird people who like to pack. Unpacking is another story...

So, what does KSS edition mean?

KSS = Keep it Simple Stupid. Yeah, this post is going to be siiiimple, assuming I can stop rambling...



ONE. Monday Night Bible Study.
What a great group. Seriously. We are all so different but it leads to great conversation and learning opportunities.

TWO. Chip Ingram.
He is awesome! The Monday night group and our young married group are doing studies by him. Google him if you're interested!

THREE. Surprising the Hubby.
I love surprising the hubs at work. Too much fun!

FOUR. Quality Time with New Friends.
I see a lot of awesome people on Sunday mornings, but it's just not enough time. So this past Sunday I made to dates with friends for Wednesday. It was so nice to sit down with those two ladies and get to know them a bit more.

FIVE. Creating.
I haven't gotten creative/crafty in months. That's ridiculous. So today, I got creative and it.is.wonderful. The creative engines are a runnin'!


Do you have any fun plans this weekend?

How was your week? What were your highs?

Classy or Trashy?

If you're like me, when you think of blue eye makeup, you think of Mimi.

{via}

Her outward appearance is so colorful and fun but, not in the best way. When it come to blue eye makeup. Do something sneaky and unexpected. Like eyeliner.

{You can hardly see any blue}

{up close and personal! pop of blue!}

{not sure which brand I used...}

{Earrings; Spotted Poppy Designs}

Blue eye makeup  don't have to be cheep or trashy. You can do even more blue than I have and still look like a fun and classy lady! This is just my "everyday" face. :)

What do you think of blue eye makeup?

If you experiment, I would love to see! 

~Emily~

Thoughts for a Meandering Monday

Just some random going ons...

1) I was nervous going to the dentist today. Worried about how much it would hurt to have my teeth deep cleaned (you know, when they go down between the gums and the teeth). Considering what they were doing, it wasn't so bad. Also considering that this is definitely a first world problem, it wasn't so bad. I'm thankful I can afford to get my mouth in shape and that those services are so available.  Oh, and apparently I have low profile teeth; AKA short teeth...


2) Finally found my sister's birthday gift after running to a few stores. Holla!


3) FALL. Apparently it's here! Today is super foggy and chilly. I'm hoping it's the same when I get home. Because we are further inland, we are outside of the fog belt (typically).

{Fog}

4) Fellow sea lovers... how awesome is this wreath at Pier 1?!

{I'm in love!}

5) I finally got an Outfit Of The Day photo up! When I took a photo at home it was just too dark. Thankfully the American Cancer Society thrift store has fitting rooms and I was able to snap a shot. And yes, I actually tried on some things (and bought 2 of them). ;)

{I'm even wearing blue! My top is OLD WaMart, cardigan is Old Navy, Pants are actually a deep denim color (not black) from forever21, scarf is American Eagle, boots are called emu wool (?), and the necklace is from .... I don't know. Ha!}

6) Brunch (because who eats breakfast AND lunch?) was from the chinese food place in the mall (so not clean eating!). When I left I saw an older man sitting with his bible open, writing away. I was so encouraged that I went up to him and told him so and that I wanted to encourage him to continue to do that! He asked me if I believed the Bible and about Jesus. It was wonderful!

7) Mike and I started going to a leadership bible study that meets once a month. We went last night and it was awesome. I have some thoughts whirring through my head but I won't unload them, unorganized, on you. 

Those are some of my meandering thoughts.

Anything random out there for you?

~Emily~

Master Bedroom.

Our room is not how I want it to look... yet. I'm trying to figure out what I want but it's taking time and it will take money (which I'm saving for yummy foods and shopping on our KC trip). I wasn't going to show you all but it's about time I just show you!

Here is what it looked like...

{messy. no lampshades, too small of a lamp shade. weird door behind the bed.}

{Super messy catch all table. collage that's not working for me anymore.}

After photos (for now)...

{amazing how much a made bed helps a room look relaxing.}

{this is the reverse side of our quilt. which side do you like?}

{I have a lot more to do with this collage... but it's starting!}

Admission: I just realized that you can buy different height lamp harps (click here to see what that is). This is going to make my lamp shade hunt SO MUCH easier! Target has so many cute ones! So happy. :)

Here is the plan for our room... 

1) Put the bed on the wall to the left. There is a door on every wall in our room.... this makes things difficult!

2) Paint. I would love a greyish/beige color. I believe the hip word is greige. There are many shades of greige and I can't find online but I know what I want!

3) Collage. I want a simplistic and clean collage.

4) Bed Spread/Duvet/Quilt. I would love something floral, modern, and jewel toned. I'm still looking for one. ;)

5) A hanging plant. Yes, I'm that person now.

Which side of the current quilt do you like? The blue with white diamonds or white with birds? I can't decide!

~Emily~

8 Home Eateries in the Hues of Blue

When I think of a color I want in my kitchen, I don't normally lean toward blue. I don't know why. It could just have to do with that fact that blue, black, and purple foods were built in as a warning that the food is old or poisonous. 

Anyway, when I looking for blue kitchens, I was pleasantly surprised to find some I liked and would be happy to be in!

{I love this backsplash. It makes me want to drink water. via}

{This is calm. via}

{Such a fun and cheery space! via}

{Anyone could live here. Cozy. via}

{Loving this Spanish styled kitchen! via}

{Antlers, open shelving, blue cabinets, yellow accents, 

and can I have the dog?!via}

{back. splash. via}

{Talk about wanting a drink of water... via}

What is your kitchen like?
It's WHITE with brown cabinets. And small. If I owned this home, I would change that... I can paint though!

How would you like it to look?
I'm dreaming of painting it green with red accents.... not Christmasy. More like one of these two...

~Emily~